Question 1

What are the basics to bear in mind around baboons?

Accepted Answer

There are a few basic guidelines to abide by when you’re out and about in Rooiels. Sticking to these will minimise unwanted interactions, and give you the rare chance to observe wild and free baboons getting on with their own lives.

Firstly, baboons are only interested in your food, not you. Almost all incidents between baboons and people revolve around food.
Never feed baboons intentionally. You may have kind intentions, but giving them food or drink seriously harms them in big and small ways. Giving a baboon food means it sees you as submissive, and primes it to continue to seek out food from people. This creates dangerous scenarios and causes baboons to be labelled as “problems”. The consequences can be deadly.
Don’t walk around the village eating or carrying food items. If you have food on you, put it in a backpack or sturdy bag. Keep picnics in a lockable box, and only serve up food as you need it rather than laying out a spread.
If you do end up in a situation where a baboon wants your food, just drop it on the floor and move away calmly. They are focused on your food, so separate yourself from it. If you try to hold onto your food they will try to snatch it from you.
Be quiet and calm if the baboons are nearby or walking past. They are generally indifferent to people if they don’t have food, and will ignore you.
Keep your distance, and don’t approach, touch or try to challenge them in any way.
Always keep dogs leashed and under control. If your dogs are reactive to baboons, avoid passing them too closely and take a detour.
Always lock your car doors, whether you’re inside or not. Baboons can open car doors, and often find food rewards inside, so don’t allow them to access your vehicle. If the baboons are around, close the windows too.
Drive slowly and carefully! Many of our wild creatures are horribly injured and killed on the roads in and around Rooiels. Respect the speed limits, and watch out for baboons and other wildlife as you drive. If you spot animals on the road, slow down as you pass, and don’t overtake.
Put all your rubbish in a baboon-proof bin. If you can’t find one, or it’s overfilled, take it with you and dispose of it at home.

Question 2

What are the basics to bear in mind around baboons?

Accepted Answer

There are a few basic guidelines to abide by when you’re out and about in Rooiels. Sticking to these will minimise unwanted interactions, and give you the rare chance to observe wild and free baboons getting on with their own lives.

Firstly, baboons are only interested in your food, not you. Almost all incidents between baboons and people revolve around food.
Never feed baboons intentionally. You may have kind intentions, but giving them food or drink seriously harms them in big and small ways. Giving a baboon food means it sees you as submissive, and primes it to continue to seek out food from people. This creates dangerous scenarios and causes baboons to be labelled as “problems”. The consequences can be deadly.
Don’t walk around the village eating or carrying food items. If you have food on you, put it in a backpack or sturdy bag. Keep picnics in a lockable box, and only serve up food as you need it rather than laying out a spread.
If you do end up in a situation where a baboon wants your food, just drop it on the floor and move away calmly. They are focused on your food, so separate yourself from it. If you try to hold onto your food they will try to snatch it from you.
Be quiet and calm if the baboons are nearby or walking past. They are generally indifferent to people if they don’t have food, and will ignore you.
Keep your distance, and don’t approach, touch or try to challenge them in any way.
Always keep dogs leashed and under control. If your dogs are reactive to baboons, avoid passing them too closely and take a detour.
Always lock your car doors, whether you’re inside or not. Baboons can open car doors, and often find food rewards inside, so don’t allow them to access your vehicle. If the baboons are around, close the windows too.
Drive slowly and carefully! Many of our wild creatures are horribly injured and killed on the roads in and around Rooiels. Respect the speed limits, and watch out for baboons and other wildlife as you drive. If you spot animals on the road, slow down as you pass, and don’t overtake.
Put all your rubbish in a baboon-proof bin. If you can’t find one, or it’s overfilled, take it with you and dispose of it at home.